Researchers at Pennsylvania State University and Solid State Ceramics Inc. have modified hard-piezoceramic materials to realize the potential of piezoelectric transformers—which hold promise to reduce size and boost the efficiency of consumer electronic devices.

Loops (seen above in blue) between graphene layers can be minimized using electron irradiation (bottom). (Credit: ORNL) According to a press release, researchers at Oak Ridge National Lab have discovered how loops develop in graphene, an electrically conductive high-strength low-weight material that resembles an atomic-scale honeycomb. The nanoscale simulations are bringing scientists closer to using…